Northwestern football gave fans an early look at what to expect this season when the team took the field Saturday afternoon for the annual Spring Game. Instead of the traditional “first team vs. second team” format that many schools use, Northwestern played an offense vs. defense game, with the defense coming out on top 47-43.
The defense dominated from the beginning, forcing two straight three-and-outs to start the game. The defensive team’s stellar play didn’t go unnoticed by quarterback Kain Colter, who was sacked five times.
“I have full confidence that [the defense is] going to go out there and do what they need to do,” Colter said.
Eventually, the offense settled down and a 20-yard field goal by kicker Jeff Budzien gave the offensive team its first points.
Colter might enter the summer as the clear number one quarterback, but it was backup Trevor Siemian who facilitation the first touchdown for the ‘Cats. He hooked up with junior wide receiver Demetrius Fields to give the offense its first lead of the game.
While all eyes may have been focused on the quarterback play, it was the defense’s front seven that impressed the most. The running game never got going and was often stopped in the backfield, and the lone rushing touchdown came when Tyris Jones ran up the middle from eight yards out.
Overall, it was a very relaxed game, but the biggest highlight came when redshirt freshman Chance Carter intercepted a pass from freshman quarterback Zack Oliver and returned it for a touchdown, good for a 12-point play. The standout interception brought the entire defense out onto the field, prompting the referees working the game to throw the flag for excessive celebration – not that anyone seemed to care considering the nature of the game.
Although the defense had a big lead after Carter’s score, the offense did make a comeback, highlighted by freshman receiver Cameron Dickerson’s 40-yard touchdown pass from Trevor Siemian. The circus catch was the longest play of the day and garnered some praise from Dickerson’s fellow wide receiver, Kyle Prater.
“Cam is a heck of a player,” Prater said. “He’s going to make some plays for us in the fall.”
While Dickerson showed off his skills, many fans wanted to see what Prater himself could do. The NCAA has not yet decided whether the five-star transfer from USC can play this season, but he is allowed to practice with the team in the meantime. Prater had a couple of receptions, but he was used only sparingly. However, he will most likely continue to get better and, if allowed, make a big impact for the team this season.
“I’m a gym rat,” Prater said. “I stay in the film room.”
The first kickoff is still months away, but if Northwestern can follow the same strategy as Prater and keep working, the ‘Cats should be in for a good season this fall.